Posted on 06/05/2006 7:17:55 AM PDT by Carl/NewsMax
New York politicians allowed up to one-third of the $20 billion in federal aid awarded to the city in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks to be squandered right under their noses, an analysis by the New York Daily News found last December.
But that hasn't stopped some of the same politicians from complaining all weekend about a mere $80 million cut in New York City's federal anti-terrorism budget.
Senators Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer and Rep. Peter King say they're outraged over the new cuts, with Clinton and King teaming up to launch a post-card writing campaign against the Department of Homeland Security.
The bipartisan duo sounded a lot less angry six months ago, when the News uncovered evidence that billions in 9/11 cash had been misspent, gone unaccounted for and, in at least one case, was awarded to the Mafia.
"I pledge to do whatever has to be done to find out what happened and why," an uncharacteristically meek-sounding King said at the time.
Mrs. Clinton sounded similarly unruffled, offering only: "I think we need to pursue some of the leads . . . to make sure every penny is properly used."
The News study found that:
• Up to one-third of the $21.4 billion in 9/11 cash awarded to New York by the White House had been earmarked for major transportation projects that had no connection to the devastation caused on 9/11.
• $150,000 was awarded to a securities firm that had gone out of business before the 9/11 attacks - plus millions more from the fund was earmarked for formerly self-supporting projects.
• $10 million in 9/11 cash was embezzled by a senior member of the New York medical examiners office.
• A 9/11 "clean air program" ended up giving away 118,000 air conditioners, when its original budget covered only 5,000 units. Total cost overrun - $115 million.
• An "associate" of the Luchese crime family allegedly got a piece of the 9/11 pie, dividing up anticipated reconstruction contracts with other New York City crime families. One mobbed-up 9/11 worker was listed as a $58,000 per year employee - even though he was in jail at the time.
• A whopping $154 million in grants and tax exempt Liberty Bonds was awarded to a single business - the Bank of New York. That small piece of the 9/11 jackpot represents nearly twice the amount of cuts in New York City's federal anti-terrorism budget.
Perhaps Mrs. Clinton can take some time away from her efforts to browbeat the DHS into restoring the $80 million in anti-terror cuts - and give New Yorkers an update on what happened to the billions in 9/11 aid that was squandered on her watch.
New York - Louisiana on the Hudson.
BTTT
Between corruption and liberalism...sit the senators from New York.
Corruption in New York - who knew?
And they're worried about Omaha's 8 mil (or whatever low amount it is). Ha!
It's Peter King tag teaming with the Clintons again.
Why is this person's head not on a pike outside Ground Zero or are they too important to the Chukie & Hillary re-election campaigns?
"NY Squandered Billions in 9/11 Aid"
Is this news? The only reason they did not squander trillions or quadrillions is that the aid offer was prudently held to the low bilions.
the graft and the corruption that NYC goes through in a day NO hasn't gone through in its whole existence.
I wonder if government corruption was punishable by death if we'd have this sort of thing going on.
Certainly the populace is going to be fed up enough at some point to take matters into their own hands..
Good job, Carl! That's a real service to the country, you're keeping track of the hypocritical b*stards in NY/NYC, especially King, Clinton and Schumer. What ungrateful loads!
They also would not fill out a form saying what the money will be used for, so the Gov would see who took the money.
Schumer and Hillary refused to file forms, BUT they took the money and spent it !!
They are CROOKS !!!
That being said I do take exception to the slam about the alleged 'Luchese crime family' and construction. It's a well known fact that in NYC most construction is controlled by ..ah.. 'Italians'. And I say, so what. If the buildings come in on time and on-or under budget, who gives a a rats patoot where the concrete comes from or who hauls away the debris? I also seem to recall the Sam Gravano owned a couple plumbing-heating companies -- all legally. And no customer got whacked for complaining about warranty work or a bill.
My point is the biggest crooks in NY (or anywhere for that matter) are the slimy pols, not the so-called mafia.
Somehow, I don't think that will ever see the light of day.
Who the hell allowed this and where is the damned GAO on this?
Great report. I hope you sent this along to Rush and Sean.
Regards,
LH
I would like to see the underlying report rather than the summary put together to sell newspapers because while NYC certainly has its fair share of graft and corruption, my recollection is different than what the Daily News/NewMax has reported. For example, IIRC FEMA and not NYC was responsible for the air conditioners. Also, the entire $21.4 billion in transportion funding was not specifically earmarked for rebuilding transportation facilities damaged or destroyed in 09.11, and as a result, some of the funds were used to increase security throughout the entire system, which includes subways, buses, commuter trains (i.e., Metro North, LIRR, and PATH), bridges, tunnels, and two major airports. And again, IIRC, the Bank of New York did not receive approximately $154 million in liberty bonds for its own use, rather the BNY was involved with the underwriting and/or sale of the bonds to investors. I could be wrong in whole or in part, but that's my recollection.
I watched Schumer on Fox this morning, he is a disgusting piece of Democrat garbage, whining and mewling his way through the so-called interview. His lies are in the all time high of leftist outrage and obnoxious politicians. He was allowed to ramble on and on with no questions of merit from the Fox trio. Liars, thy name is Democrat!
LOL...you expect three NYC residents to question their boy? LOL..awwww....c'mon!
any links to the original News article???
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.